I was born this day exactly 45 years ago. My mother called me Ross because she said that if she had another boy then she would throw him in Ross River. So I am named after a river that snakes its way through a city in Nth Queensland called Townsville.
I was recently back there and drove past my old primary school, I was sure that it used to be bigger. In fact the fig tree out the front that we used to climb (before extreme safety concerns) didn't seem that intimidating at all. But that's the way it should be. If we are still intimidated by the challenges that we faced when were are younger than chances are we haven't grown. Edmond Hilary after failing to scale Everest was doing a lecture one day when he turned to a picture of the great mountain and said, You defeated me! But you won't defeat me again! Because you have grown all you can grow ... but I am still growing!
This should be the attitude of every follower of Christ!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Leadership
Of the leaders I've connected with that are on mission, and getting the job done, there seems to be a few characteristics that run similar. Let me share them with you.
1.The Energy to Drive Passion.
This one runs 100% true. I've seen no exceptions. I know of no leader in a local church who is successfully on mission who does not have the energy to drive his or her passion. Don't miss the connection between energy and passion. There are many leaders who have passion, but like those who dream big but do little, their passion is inconsequential. It takes energy to translate your passion to reality.
Energy isn't about personality - you can be a relatively quiet and even somewhat introverted leader, but if you have drive, if you have energy within your soul to accomplish the mission before you, no one can extinguish the passion.
2.The Humility That Recognizes an Utter Dependence Upon God.
Of all five characteristics, this one will receive the quickest acknowledgment and support. The reason I say humility in action is because it's when we take action that often our humility fades, and we actually believe that we are capable of doing things (that matter for eternity) ourselves.
The best test of your humility is how often you run to God and declare how desperately dependent you are upon His grace and guidance. Leaders on mission understand that it's impossible to do it themselves. The very nature of a partnership with God insists that you seek His help.
3.The Courage to Say No.
The key to this characteristic is focus. Leaders on mission recognize that they personally can't do everything, and neither can the church they serve, as an organization, accomplish everything. Since this is true, a few ministry options will receive a yes, but many will receive a no. Leaders who can't say no to the good options will forfeit the great options (dare I say - the God options).
You and I both know that there is a great deal of politics as well as a number of other complicated pressures contained within church leadership. Your ability to navigate those pressures - rather than giving in and becoming distracted - will help you stay on mission. How courageous are you feeling these days?
4.The Security to be Honest.
Boasting salvations for your church but then being unable to tell their spiritual status six months later lacks integrity. Whether it's the number of people in small groups or in new believer's class, be honest about what you really have. What is your mission? How do you measure it? How are you doing?
5.The Maturity to Stick With the Plan.
Immature leaders panic quicker than mature leaders. And when they panic they jump to the next sure bet to bring success. Immature leaders are driven for quick results to look good and will therefore abandon the long-term, more disciplined approach. Immature leaders don't understand that once they have identified a sound (not perfect) plan, their potential of success (achieving mission) is 80% dependent upon leadership and following God's prompting, not on the plan itself. Don't use this fact as an excuse to bag the plan or the discipline to design the plan in the first place. This formula is true only when a plan exists!!
1.The Energy to Drive Passion.
This one runs 100% true. I've seen no exceptions. I know of no leader in a local church who is successfully on mission who does not have the energy to drive his or her passion. Don't miss the connection between energy and passion. There are many leaders who have passion, but like those who dream big but do little, their passion is inconsequential. It takes energy to translate your passion to reality.
Energy isn't about personality - you can be a relatively quiet and even somewhat introverted leader, but if you have drive, if you have energy within your soul to accomplish the mission before you, no one can extinguish the passion.
2.The Humility That Recognizes an Utter Dependence Upon God.
Of all five characteristics, this one will receive the quickest acknowledgment and support. The reason I say humility in action is because it's when we take action that often our humility fades, and we actually believe that we are capable of doing things (that matter for eternity) ourselves.
The best test of your humility is how often you run to God and declare how desperately dependent you are upon His grace and guidance. Leaders on mission understand that it's impossible to do it themselves. The very nature of a partnership with God insists that you seek His help.
3.The Courage to Say No.
The key to this characteristic is focus. Leaders on mission recognize that they personally can't do everything, and neither can the church they serve, as an organization, accomplish everything. Since this is true, a few ministry options will receive a yes, but many will receive a no. Leaders who can't say no to the good options will forfeit the great options (dare I say - the God options).
You and I both know that there is a great deal of politics as well as a number of other complicated pressures contained within church leadership. Your ability to navigate those pressures - rather than giving in and becoming distracted - will help you stay on mission. How courageous are you feeling these days?
4.The Security to be Honest.
Boasting salvations for your church but then being unable to tell their spiritual status six months later lacks integrity. Whether it's the number of people in small groups or in new believer's class, be honest about what you really have. What is your mission? How do you measure it? How are you doing?
5.The Maturity to Stick With the Plan.
Immature leaders panic quicker than mature leaders. And when they panic they jump to the next sure bet to bring success. Immature leaders are driven for quick results to look good and will therefore abandon the long-term, more disciplined approach. Immature leaders don't understand that once they have identified a sound (not perfect) plan, their potential of success (achieving mission) is 80% dependent upon leadership and following God's prompting, not on the plan itself. Don't use this fact as an excuse to bag the plan or the discipline to design the plan in the first place. This formula is true only when a plan exists!!
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